Rashmika Mandanna is set to take on one of the most challenging roles of her career as she portrays legendary Carnatic vocalist MS Subbulakshmi in an upcoming biopic. The actor announced the project on Instagram on Tuesday, describing the opportunity to play the iconic singer as an “absolute honour”.
The film will be directed by Gowtam Tinnanuri, known for films such as Jersey and Kingdom, while popular music composer Anirudh Ravichander will provide the music. The makers are expected to reveal the film’s title and first look on September 16 at 5.15 pm.
Production house Geetha Arts also announced the project on social media, revealing that actor, producer and parliamentarian Kamal Haasan will attend the launch event as the chief guest. The announcement is being timed to coincide with the 110th birth anniversary of MS Subbulakshmi.
Rashmika shared her excitement about the film through an emotional post. Reflecting on the legacy of the legendary vocalist, she wrote that some legends and melodies live beyond generations, adding that she felt honoured to be part of the story.
The project is expected to attract significant attention because of the stature of its central character. MS Subbulakshmi, whose full name was Madurai Shanmukhavadivu Subbulakshmi, remains one of the most celebrated figures in Indian classical music.
Born in Madurai on September 16, 1916, Subbulakshmi went on to become one of the most recognisable voices of Carnatic music. Over a career spanning several decades, she helped take the South Indian classical tradition to audiences well beyond its traditional base.
Her performances extended beyond India, including appearances in Europe and North America. She also performed at the United Nations General Assembly, further establishing her reputation on the international stage.
Subbulakshmi was equally admired for her devotional music. Her renditions of Sanskrit hymns became popular in households across India, while songs such as “Nagendra Haraya” and “Siva Panchakshara” remain closely associated with her voice. She also performed numerous compositions by poet Annamacharya.
Her contribution to music earned her some of India's highest honours. In 1998, she was awarded the Bharat Ratna, the country's highest civilian award. She was also the first musician to receive the honour. Earlier, she had become the first Indian musician to receive the Ramon Magsaysay Award.
Subbulakshmi's personal life was closely connected to her husband, Kalki Sadasivam. Following his death in 1997, she retired permanently from public performances. Her final concert was also held that year.
She died on December 11, 2004, at the age of 88.
For Rashmika, portraying such a towering cultural figure presents both an opportunity and a major responsibility. The actor will have to capture not only Subbulakshmi's public persona but also the discipline, musical legacy and cultural impact that made her an enduring icon.
With Tinnanuri handling direction and Anirudh composing the music, the film brings together a notable team. The first look and title announcement on September 16 are expected to offer the first glimpse of how Rashmika will be transformed into the legendary singer.
The biopic could also introduce Subbulakshmi's extraordinary life and music to a younger generation, making the project significant beyond the world of mainstream cinema.
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